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Page 326
associated guilt even if he was not a member of it in fact. That would be the more believable if the king began to show any resentment over the marriage. Ian rode home, sourly contemplating that idea, and presented it to Alinor. First she looked startled, but finally she shrugged her shoulders.
''Likely that is in their minds. They think that the king, who already has a cause for spite, will become more suspicious of you, treat you worse, and drive you into their arms. I wish it were sonot that you should be a rebel, but that the king could hate you worse than he already does. I greatly fear that nothing they or anyone else can do will alter John's feeling toward you now." She looked away across the room. "I have done you an ill turn by yielding to you, Ian."
Cursing himself for a fool, Ian took Alinor's hand. "You have made me very happy. The rest does not matter. John's nature being what it is, sooner or later I must have fallen foul of him. Look at Pembroke, who fought for John's right to the throne, who has been loyal in every way. He is hated merely for giving honest advice. At least I have a prize worth the whole world and more to me as compensation for the king's hatred." And then, seeking for something to distract Alinor, Ian added, "But I wonder what Vesci meant by that bit about their appreciation for the king's love. You know, Alinor, the matter can be read in another way. Vesci could mean to hint to the king that if favor is shown to the northerners, they will 'fight in the king's party'; that is, they will be loyal."
Alinor nodded. "I am sure they would take no exception to that reading. It can do them no harm, and will place no restraint upon them, either."
There was, however, still another interpretation, one that did not occur to Ian until suggested by a not-too-welcome visitor. After dark, Robert FitzWalter craved admittance. Ian and Alinor exchanged startled glances,

 
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